Solar Panels Cost 11k-20k in Arkansas | November, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $11k-$20k in Arkansas | November, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Arkansas in 2024?

In November, 2024, the typical price per watt of solar panels in Arkansas is $3.31/W.

Stemming from this cost, expect costs to be $3,310, on average, for every 1 kW (or 1000 watts) of solar energy your solar panels can generate. After deducting the 30% federal tax credit, the cost of a 5 kW solar panel system in Arkansas typically totals up to $11,585. Your energy needs could need a bigger system.

To the left, you can select your county to view the typical roof size and average maximum capacity for residential solar on homes in your area. Find below a complete overview of the {price|costs, payback period, and 20-year typical savings for a 5 kW system in your county.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Arkansas: $11,585US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Arkansas: 7 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Arkansas: $14,875US Average: $16,169

Solar Potential in Arkansas

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Arkansas.

Roof size 912sq. ft.
Capacity 12.75kW DC
Electricity 15.8kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in Arkansas & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

In Arkansas, the standard electric bill is $130.94 per month, and residents use 1,069 kWh. Flats and smaller homes with typically reduced energy consumption are considered in this statistic.

In November 2024, the electricity rate in Arkansas is 12.24¢ per kWh.

If you’re an average electricity consumer in Arkansas you need 9 kW or higher sized system to meet all of your energy needs. You'll spend $20,853 on 9 kW solar installation after taking the 30% federal income tax credit into consideration.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Arkansas

On the left side below, you can see the cost breakdown for various sizes of solar panel systems set up in Arkansas. The initial cost for bigger solar systems is greater, but they also yield higher electricity savings and higher income tax credits.

The solar panel cost and benefit breakdown, visible in the calculator to the right and below, is based on an average electric bill of $130.94 in Arkansas. If you seek more tailored results, just adjust the $130.94 to whichever your usual electricity bill is.

System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $909 a year
Est. Price
$11,585
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,424 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $76
  • Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.2 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 193 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 10,386 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,091 a year
Est. Price
$13,902
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,909 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $91
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.04 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 231 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 12,464 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,273 a year
Est. Price
$16,219
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 10,394 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $106
  • Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.87 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 270 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 14,541 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,454 a year
Est. Price
$18,536
Savings from a 8kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 11,879 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $121
  • Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 6.71 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 308 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 16,618 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,636 a year
Est. Price
$20,853
Savings from a 9kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 13,364 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $131
  • Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 7.26 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 333 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 17,962 mi less a year

Arkansas Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

Rural entrepreneurs and farmers might find that the REAP Grant pays for 80% to 100% of their costs when installing solar or wind energy systems. If you think you might be in this category, we suggest checking your qualification with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

A 30% federal tax credit is available to most homeowners for residential solar installations, which helps make solar energy a feasible choice in numerous regions across the United States. Furthermore, several state and local programs are in place to further drive the adoption of solar energy.

In Arkansas, 4 solar rebates and incentives are currently offered from different utilities and government agencies.

Solar incentives in AR

Sustainable Building Design Revolving Loan Fund

Value:Varies

The ABA Revolving Loan Fund is an interest-free loan program adopted by Arkansas in 2009 (as loan payments go to the fund, the fund may continue indefinitely). It provides a way for state agencies, boards, and commissions (including those attached to institutions of higher learning) who own their own facilities to make renovations up to $25,000. It is funded by a grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 with contributions from the state general improvement funds. The loan encourages debtors to use the funds for ways to save and create energy for their buildings. For further information, check out the Arkansas Building Authority site.

Green Building Standards for State Facilities

Value:Varies

As of July 1, 2005, all state agencies are encouraged to use the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and Green Globes rating system as much as possible. They receive additional credit for use of agri-fiber and composite wood products, post-consumer recycled content, and other environment-friendly products. The Sustainable Energy-Efficient Building Program directed the Arkansas Energy Office to reduce energy use in all state-owned major facilities by 30% by 2017 and conserve all utilities to reduce total energy consumption as justified by a life cycle cost analysis. Other state agencies have been encouraged to develop their own strategic energy plans.

Net Metering

Value:Varies

In April 2001, the Arkansas Public Service Commission was directed to establish rules for net metering of some renewable energy systems. By 2012 they amended those rules to exempt government entities and agencies from indemnity agreements. In 2013 it would add new net-metering tariffs for all utilities under its jurisdiction and in 2014 it would modify provisions for excess generation, including increasing the cap for non-residential customers and opening the docket for appropriate fees and terms. Of special note is that customers with multiple meters who generate excess electricity may, with 30 days' notice, use the funds generated for any meter within the same utility.

Solar Hot Water Contractor Licensing

Value:Varies

Arkansas offers limited specialty solar thermal installer licenses with assistance from the Arkansas Department of Health. These licenses are the Restricted Solar Mechanic, Supervising Solar Mechanic, and Solar Mechanic Trainee. The Restricted Solar Mechanic license only allows a mechanic to install systems used to heat domestic hot water; the person must show evidence of relevant training and experience, including four years with a Restricted Solar Mechanic Trainee license. The Supervising Solar Mechanic is allowed to supervise, install, and maintain solar and hydronic domestic hot water systems; applicants must have at least one year with a Restricted Solar Mechanic and five years of solar mechanic experience.

Are solar panels worth it in Arkansas?

For those expecting to remain in their homes after the solar system's payback period, installing solar panels is a obvious choice in Arkansas. With a 5 kW solar system in Arkansas, the average savings over a 20 period is $19,840.19, with break even typically occurring at 7 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Arkansas

The absence of solar panels or an alternative energy backup means that you forgo the savings mentioned earlier and depend on your electric utility for electricity. Complete dependence on your utility company isn't always the best condition, as recent media examples have demonstrated.

In recent years, the average number of utility outages per customer in Arkansas has been 1.39 annually. Each outage lasts an average of 158.4 minutes. In the case of major events such as winter storms, overloaded power grids, or construction accidents, this period can increase substantially.

View the graphic below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Arkansas.

A solar energy system, with or without a backup battery, could reduce the effects of any future power interruptions you might experience.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Arkansas.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Arkansas?

Your Energy Needs -The cost per watt is decreased with larger solar panel systems, even though the initial cost is higher. Many consumers realize it's a smart idea to install a solar system that can generate enough power to replace their electric bill, because it helps them save more money.

Make & Model - There are numerous brands and models of solar panels. Your installer’s potential brand preferences make it crucial to pick a reputable contractor. Consumers who prioritize better models typically enjoy a more favorable long-term experience.

Solar Panel Type - There are valid reasons why monocrystalline panels are now considered the industry standard. They are costlier but produce more energy. The majority of professionals in solar installation work with panels made from this material.

Your Property - Irregular terrain, trees, or other challenges can increase the complexity of the installation. These days, the many solar installers can evaluate your home with satellite images and include these elements in the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Employees get varied wages from different companies, and these costs are handed down to the consumers. It is typical for companies that provide higher wages to receive better reviews for their work and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Your installation cost will be affected by area-specific permitting and utility interconnection fees. Quality local installers will include these figures in your first estimates to ensure transparency.

See what solar panels cost in other AR cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Arkansas?

Academy Energy Group

Newburgh, IN(812) 518-2150

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

SunPro Solar

Mandeville, LA(866) 599-3643

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Dividend Finance

Cincinnati, OH(415) 805-7000

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.

Solera Energy

Springfield, MO(855) 745-2398

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Harvest Solar

Jackson, MI(888) 907-6527

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Fluent Solar

Lehi, UT(844) 220-7415

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

City Electric Supply

Dallas, TX(866) 634-9853

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.

LightEdison

Denver, CO(888) 966-6377

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Reparation of batteries.

New Farm Solar

Springdale, AZ(833) 639-3276

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Arkansas Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • The cost per watt for solar panels in Arkansas during November of 2024 averages $3.31/W. Post federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar panel system installation in Arkansas will roughly cost $11,585.
  • If you live in Arkansas, you can find 4 rebates and incentives through different utilities and government agencies. Moreover, nearly everyone is eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit.
  • Paying cash yields the most savings, but there are now numerous financing options for solar panels that are also advantageous. Financing options are frequently available through installers and will be included in your initial quotes.
  • Yes, in Arkansas, 5 kW solar panel systems typically pay off in 7 years, and users save around $19,840.19 in electricity costs over 20 years.
  • Arkansas residents don't have access to a state-specific solar installation payment program, but the 30% federal tax credit is available nationwide.
  • Arkansas has no free solar panel programs at the moment, but the 30% federal income tax credit, which almost all US citizens are eligible for, can greatly reduce the cost of installing solar panels.
Ginalyn Gelera
Last Reviewed By: Ginalyn Gelera
Published: 2024-11-04